9 Days Tanger Trips Via Fes & Volubilis

Welcome to Morocco: Arrive in Tangier ( Tanger ) either by boat or plane and transfer to your hotel in Tangier. Tanger is an ancient port steeped in history as it used to guard the entrance to the Mediterranean. It has a very busy medina and a new town.

Spend the morning exploring Tangier. This afternoon head off just west of  Tanger to Cap Spartel through La Montagne. Here it is possible to see eagles and migrating birds heading across to Spain or returning for the winter. Visit the Hercule cave just 5kms south of Cap Spartel lighthouse. According to legend Hercules rested in the caves after having dug the straights between Europe and Africa.

Leaving Tangier, you head west along the coast and the hilly road towards Ceuta (Sebta to the locals). There are good views of the sea and it’s possible to climb up Jebel Musa, opposite the rock of Gibraltar (Jebel Tarik). After lunch in Tetouan, continue your journey along the coast, passing the small fishing port of Cabo Negro and then heading into the mountains to Chefchaouen ( Chaouen ). This town, founded in 1471, was very isolated until the early 20th century. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen ( Chaouen ) is painted in lovely shades of the blue, legacy of the Jewish population that lived there.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Chefchaouen ( Chaouen ), a haven of peace and tranquility. Discover the Medina of Chaouen, the silk and wool weaving quarter, the main square with its cafes, and the souks. Perhaps barter for a kilim in the market, where you can get some great deals.

Today you journey through the Rif mountains to Fes. The Rif mountains are still relatively unexplored by visitors, partly because they are quite remote, and partly because of the hashish that is grown in fields in the hidden valleys. However with your guide and driver, you will be able to relax and see unspoiled Morocco.

The oldest and largest Medieval city in the world, Fes is a bustling hive of activity and truly fascinating. Spend the day exploring this historic city, the souks, the palaces, and the views from the museum and old Kasbah just outside the city walls.

Heading out of the city this morning, visit the ancient Roman city of Volubilis in the foothills of the Middle Atlas mountains. Incredible mosaics, gates, villas and the forum still remain – the city is so large that it hasn’t all been excavated yet. In the afternoon, see the town of Moulay Idriss, only open to non-Muslims in recent history and named after the founder of Fes. Spend the night in the Imperial city of Meknes.

Leaving Meknes, drive past the Rif mountains and the town of Ksar-el Kabir, back to Tangier ( Tanger ). Spend your last evening at leisure, time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, or a nice meal in one of the many tasty restaurants.

Departure transfer to the airport or ferry port